Rescued, Renovated and Now Revered: A Loved-Again Home
Name: Leigh, her husband and (occasionally) their college aged children Location: Woodinville, Washington The basics: 4 years, owned — 1,700 square feet Leigh and her husband snatched up this home and gave it a much needed facelift. Despite the less than stellar choices of the previous owner, Leah saw that the home had a ton of potential and set about carefully updating it to create a home that not only meets the needs of her family, but is fun and attractive.
Aug 15, 2017
5 Ways to Clean with Aluminum Foil
(Image credit: Joe Lingeman) From Kitchn → 5 Ways to Use Aluminum Foil to Clean null
Aug 15, 2017
Before & After: An Unbelievable DIY IKEA Kitchen Renovation for $20k
Cameron and Chantel’s post-renovation kitchen is basically unrecognizable. Aside from sharing the common elements of a kitchen (you can cook in it! there’s a refrigerator!) the two spaces are completely different. Their new kitchen is softly colorful, light, breezy and spacious where the old kitchen was, well, very, very beige. From Cameron and Chantel: Our kitchen is straight from the 80s!
Aug 15, 2017
Tips and Tricks for Saving Money on Groceries at Target
(Image credit: Sean Wandzilak) shutterstock From Kitchn → The Best Ways to Save Money on Groceries at Target null
Aug 15, 2017
How To Get a High End Kitchen Look on a Budget: Tips for Using Affordable Building Materials Wisely
Flirting with the idea of using affordable building materials for a kitchen remodel? Smart move for your budget. But, that doesn’t mean you want your home to look like you built it out of materials from the bargain bin. So, take notes from this minimal and modern kitchen in this Spanish hand-built home. We’ve got a breakdown of why this space doesn’t look like it was done on the cheap, despite being primarily made up of very affordable materials.
Aug 15, 2017
The Cities Where Salaries Are Actually Growing Relative to Rent
The whole point of having a job is to be able to afford housing, food and the necessities so you can keep on keeping on, right? So it would make sense for salaries to rise with housing costs, but that’s not always the case. In many areas, rent prices move on up without giving wages a chance to catch up, and it especially varies when you factor in the industries people work in.
Aug 15, 2017
The Internet’s Favorite Plastic Zipper Food Storage Bags
Plastic zipper bags are probably a food storage staple in your home—they’re an easy way to store food in the fridge and freezer, plus they can help keep you organized in other ways, including being a necessity when you travel by air.
Aug 14, 2017
A Globe Trotting Family Settles Down in a California Spanish Colonial
Name: Fernando, Roberta and their 1 year old son Location: Pasadena, California The basics: 1 year, owned — 2,200 square feet After time in Switzerland, the UK and Seattle, Fernando and Roberta found themselves in Pasadena hunting for a home. A design enthusiast, Fernando jumped at the opportunity to remodel a basically untouched Spanish Colonial home in a perfect location.
Aug 14, 2017
The Cities with the Highest Hidden Costs of Owning a Home
If you’re looking into buying a home, your mind is probably focused on things like your down payment and monthly mortgage costs, but those aren’t the only costs that come with owning a home—there are hidden costs you might not be thinking about, too.
Aug 14, 2017
10 Genius Ways to Squeeze Extra Storage Space Out of a Small Kitchen
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From Kitchn → 10 Brilliant Ways to Squeeze Extra Storage Space Out of a Small Kitchen null
Aug 14, 2017
Peek Inside This $875K Island Treehouse Near Seattle
Given the ever-increasing popularity of shows like Treehouse Masters, and Instagram accounts dedicated to all things Cabin Love and Rustic Houses, this aerial abode is a dreamy aesthetic treat.
Aug 14, 2017
It’s About Time: After 3 Years of Beige, My Bland Rental Bathroom Gets a Refresh
I have lived on my own for the last six years, slowly but surely acquiring furniture, art and decor that I really liked, which of course means that along the way, there were empty corners (and rooms) waiting to be filled. Finally, though, my apartment—which I’ve lived in for two years—has gotten to a place where I didn’t wonder if visitors thought I had just moved in. The guest bedroom has curtains (which I sewed and I’m quite proud of!
Aug 14, 2017
Before & After: Reviving a Rental Patio on a Limited Budget
Jennifer knew not to take her Brooklyn patio for granted, since outside space in New York is a beautiful rarity, and set out to make the most of it. She kept things budget friendly while warming up the space, creating a casual space perfect for outdoor cocktails. From Jennifer: In 2009, I moved from a soulless shoebox on the UES into my (now) husband’s apartment in Brooklyn. One of the perks of the apartment was the ever-elusive (though tiny) outdoor patio area.
Aug 14, 2017
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5 Little Actions You Can Take to Create a More Sustainable Home
Sometimes, it’s the little things in life that make the biggest difference. While big changes like a fancy thermostat or new solar panels can have a big impact on your home’s energy efficiency and thus sustainability, there are a few small changes you can easily make today that will add up to significant energy and money savings in the long run. 1. Grow houseplants. Besides literally making your space more green, houseplants have a number of health and energy benefits.
Aug 14, 2017
An Art Deco Inspired Apartment in an Old Soap Factory
Name: Julia & Sasha Location: Melbourne, Australia The basics: Owned, sold after 6 months — 260 square meters, 2,798 square feet While competing on an Australian home reno show, The Block (side note: can we get this show on Netflix pretty please?!) Julia and Sasha updated this historic property with some old Hollywood inspired glam. Luxurious fixtures and rich fabrics give the space seriously sumptuous vibes.
Aug 13, 2017
Move Over, Minimalism: The “New Victorian” Look is On the Rise
Are you tired of minimalism? You've come to the right place.
Aug 13, 2017
Before & After: An ’80s Bathroom Gets a Classic Update
Before finally deciding to renovate, Claudia had been living in her Upper East Side co-op since 2001 — so she had a pretty clear vision of what she wanted for her bathroom. The space, while still functional, hadn’t been updated in 30 years, and the mid-’80s fixtures were a poor fit for the building’s character.
Aug 13, 2017
A Cinephile Upgrades His Small Parisian Rental
Name: Mathieu Location: Paris, France The basics: 1o years, rented — 495 square feet Mathieu’s career and passion is film, so his charming Paris rental is basically a shrine to the cinema. With a little help from his design minded sister, he transformed his small rental space into a home that has more than enough room for the things he loves.
Aug 12, 2017
Before & After: Letting the Light Into an Outdated Kitchen
Stephanie decided to open up her kitchen for both design and keep-an-eye-on-the-kiddos reasons. Wanting to add functionality, style and maximize the natural light, the reno was a mix of big projects (like knocking down walls) and quick last minute fixes that resulted in a gorgeous, classic kitchen. From Stephanie: The kitchen in our home was closed off, isolated and a mix of semi-updated and original features.
Aug 12, 2017
Project Re-Love: One of the Most Dramatic Before & Afters We’ve Ever Seen
Sure, there’s something exciting about purchasing a brand new piece of furniture – it’s dust-free, scratch-free, (sticker-free if you’re parent to a toddler) and demands the spotlight of attention when you walk in the room. But what if I told you that you could have the same feelings about a previously purchased piece picked up from the local consignment store?
Aug 12, 2017
A Cute Portland Cottage Gets a Classic Renovation
Name: Gimi and Steve Location: Portland, Oregon The basics: 2 years, owned — 672 square feet Wanting to give small space living a go, but not quite tiny house ready, Gimi and Steve decided to give this cute little cottage a try. After extensive renovations to bring the space back to its original glory, the space is adorable, functional and full of vintage vibes.
Aug 11, 2017
Before & After: A First Time Upholsterer Dresses Up a Garage Sale Find
In my personal experience, “first time’s the charm” doesn’t always apply to DIY projects. It usually takes me about three tries to create something presentable, but not Kayla! She was drawn to this chair at a garage sale, pulled in by the mix of metal and fabric, and figured this would be the perfect opportunity to dive into the re-upholstery pool. The resulting chair looks much spiffier, comfier and more put together than the original find, so job well done!
Aug 11, 2017
Decorating Advice From 1948 That Still Totally Applies Today
If you suffer from decision fatigue, these time-tested tips could serve as a jumping-off point for designing your home with confidence.
Aug 11, 2017
Three Years Later: A Los Angeles Rental’s Design Update
This "Street Cred Granny" style rental home now has much stronger "Underwater Safari" vibes.
Aug 10, 2017
The Incredibly Easy One-Touch Cleaning Rule Will Keep You Clutter-Free
How often do you quickly tidy one area of your home by just moving the mess somewhere else? Have you ever come home only to put your coat on a chair temporarily before you finally hang it up in the closet? (I know I’m guilty of this, because it just feels easier in the moment after a long day). It might not feel like a time suck, but it actually makes you put in more effort in the long run—all those steps add up, and it makes keeping your home clutter-free a slightly harder task.
Aug 10, 2017
Keeping Colors Calm: A Beautifully Neutral Bathroom Makeover
Project by: Paula Guzman of Paula E Guzman Studio Location: Midtown, Manhattan—New York Paula’s project is an excellent lesson in both balance and working with what you got. Working with and not around her bathroom’s shortcomings, she created a serene space without a major overhaul. From Paula: This is the decoration of a small, prewar bathroom in my last apartment. It was your typical boring bath with plain white subway tile and very standard fixtures.
Aug 9, 2017
How to Get a High-End Living Room Look on a Real-Life Budget
Built in 1928, this Michigan house came with plenty of architectural charm when Justin bought it, but it needed updating. And that’s just what Justin did, transforming the dated interior into a modern, cozy abode. Every room packs in interior design inspiration, but the living room deserves a longer look. It’s a simple, elegant composition that looks sophisticated and high-end. But you can totally pull this look off on a budget.
Aug 9, 2017
The Best Budget Wines You Should Be Buying on Amazon
(Image credit: Susanna Hopler) From Kitchn → 5 Wines You Should Be Buying on Amazon This Summer null
Aug 9, 2017
Before & After: Making a Bland Furnished Apartment Feel Like Home
"Their apartment was completely furnished, but lacked the coziness and personal nature of a home."
Aug 9, 2017
Look We Love: How To Create Cozy English Cottage Style
If you find yourself constantly yearning for a Nancy Meyers-esque house swap to whisk you away to the English countryside, maybe it's time to bring the English countryside to you.
Aug 9, 2017
5 Things Vacation Rental Guests Should Always Do
(Image credit: Anna Spaller) From Kitchn → 5 Things Vacation Rental Guests Should Always Do (and 3 They Don’t Have To) null
Aug 9, 2017
Adding Style and Character to a Dated Builder Grade Townhome
Name: Lindsay and Joey Location: Seattle, Washington The basics: 8 years, owned — 1,670 square feet Lindsay and Joey filled their townhome with so many personal touches and smart upgrades it’s hard to believe the space was ever anything but totally captivating. Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: My husband and I bought our new construction town home eight years ago.
Aug 8, 2017
The One Thing You Need to Clean More Often than You Think
(Image credit: Minette Hand) From Kitchn → One Thing You Need to Clean More Often than You Think null
Aug 8, 2017
10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Recycle or Compost
Want to be more mindful while you’re cleaning? You’ve probably got a good handle on the items you can toss into your recycling bins—paper, plastics, glass, aluminum, etc.—but there are also a lot of specialty programs that allow you to recycle other household items to reduce waste and even help people in need.
Aug 8, 2017
Before & After: An Old Patio is Transformed into a Chic Outdoor Room
Riddle me this: why would someone buy a house on a lake and then grow a bunch of shrubs to block the view of the lake? We may never know the answer to that particular question, but we do know that Ashley’s backyard makeover not only restored the view but made the space infinitely more stylish and safe. From Ashley: When we moved into our home a couple years ago, I knew our back patio had major potential, but it was a big eye sore at the time.
Aug 8, 2017
A Tiny Norwegian Winter Cabin That’s Almost As Good As A/C
A tiny house covered in snow might seem like an unusual choice for a posting in August, but there’s a method to this madness. Doesn’t looking at that frost-encrusted landscape just make you feel cooler? And beyond that, there’s the design. Only 592 square feet and almost all roof, this tiny cabin is the perfect retreat from the elements, simultaneously very cozy and very modern.
Aug 8, 2017
The Surprising Thing You Can Actually Bring Through Airport Security
(Image credit: Ekaterina Pokrovsky) shutterstock From Kitchn → The Surprising Thing You Can Bring Through Airport Security null
Aug 8, 2017
Couple Buys the Street Rights to One of SF’s Only Gated Communities
There’s real estate speculation and opportunism, and then there’s this dramatic tale from one of San Francisco’s most expensive neighborhoods, where a couple of investors swooped in and bought the rights to an entire private street — right out from under the nose of the HOA board and residents, in what someone might call an attempt at “reverse gentrification.
Aug 8, 2017
10 Bookmark-Worthy Etsy Stores for Vintage Art Lovers
Vintage art always feels unique, personal and it carries a lot of history and whimsy — which is what makes it so fun to hunt down. One of our go-to sources? Etsy, though it takes a lot of sifting. To get you started on where to look, we gathered some great sellers of vintage art; they carry everything from maps and oils to old-school movie posters.
Aug 7, 2017
Before & After: A Kitchen Goes from Ugh to Unrecognizable
Andrea is a stylish fashion blogger who founded the blog Blonde Bedhead. And though her expertise is in personal style, it’s clear she’s also a master at interior design, too. In fact, she’s recently been able to flex her interior design muscles thanks to her newly purchased first home. Though the house didn’t quite fit her own style when she first saw it in person, she could see the potential. Andrea says upgrading the kitchen was the most expensive project in the house.
Aug 7, 2017
From New York to Nashville, Putting Down Roots in a Charming Brick Bungalow
Name: Amelia, Mark and their toddler Silas Location: Nashville, Tennessee The basics: 1 year ,owned — 1,800 square feet Amelia and Mark’s charming brick bungalow feels like the kind of spot New Yorkers dream of when they imagine moving out of the city. A home with actual space and a yard but still cool and funky and full of character.
Aug 7, 2017
Why This $160 Trash Can Is Worth Every Penny
(Image credit: Nancy Mitchell) From Kitchn → Why I’m Totally Obsessed with My Expensive Trash Can null
Aug 7, 2017
Before & After: An Eyesore of a Closet Gets a Whole New Look
A tale as old as time: you move into a new space and have to live with the questionable design choices of the previous tenants. Medina inherited a built-in closet/ wardrobe that left more than a lot to be desired. She got rid of the ugliest aspect almost immediately and tried to make do, but eventually enough was simply enough and she gave the closet an easy and affordable DIY makeover. From Medina: The before is a picture of a built in wardrobe in our bedroom.
Aug 7, 2017
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One Bedroom, Two Ways: Which Matches Your Taste?
We gave two style experts one bed to create looks for: They're both cute, but which works for you?
Aug 7, 2017
A Chic Cape Town Apartment With a View of Table Mountain
Name: Nikki Location: Cape Town, South Africa The basics: 3 months, owned — 500 square feet Nikki’s studio-turned-one-bedroom is packed full of fun, urban-chic finds and a view to die for. Pops of purple and rich textures give the space an easy lived-in feel that balances the sleek fixtures of the apartment. We want to pour ourselves a glass of wine, plop down on the couch and escape city life in Nikki’s apartment.
Aug 6, 2017
Edward Norton Buys $11.8M Architectural Wonder in Malibu
Actor Edward Norton just purchased an $11.8 million home in Malibu Colony. The beachfront strip of prime Malibu real estate has for decades been a fave among the Hollywood set. Prior to the ‘Fight Club’ actor snapping up this architectural wonder, the home had been listed on and off the market for four years, priced as high as $22 million. The Stevens’ Home, as the residence is called, has five bedrooms and five bathrooms situated over 3,366 square feet.
Aug 6, 2017
The Second Most Important Homebuying Decision You’ll Make: Tips for Finding the Best Agent for You
The wrong real estate agent—or just one who doesn’t jibe with your vibe—can cast a shadow on your whole home buying experience. That’s why it pays to know what things to look for (and the right kinds of questions to ask) when searching for a reliable real estate agent. So to help make your search a little easier, we called on William E Brown, President of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), for advice on how to find the best agent for your unique homebuying needs.
Aug 6, 2017
Before & After: A Cold Concrete Office Space Gets a Hip New Look
There's a Tom Selleck pillow, FYI.
Aug 6, 2017